“You would hardly favour it so much otherwise, would you?”
“Perhaps not. You see I take the best there is. I can’t help it if the choice is so limited.”
“That’s one for me. But never mind. I’m content he should do the entertaining, if I can do the helpful.”
“To me, Mr. Bickerdike?”
“I hope so—a little. As Hugo’s friend I feel that I ought to have some claim on your forbearance, not to say your good will. I think at least that, on the strength of that friendship, you need not resent my giving you a word of advice on a subject where, in my opinion, it’s wanted.”
“I have a father and brother to look after me, Mr. Bickerdike.”
“I’m aware of it, Audrey; and also of the fact that—for reasons sufficient of their own, no doubt—they leave you pretty much as you like to go your own way. It may be an unexceptionable way for the most part; but the wisest of us may occasionally go wrong from ignorance, and then it is the duty—I dare say the thankless duty—of friendship to interpose. You are very young, you know, and, one can’t help seeing, rather forlornly situated——”
“Will you please to leave my situation alone, and explain what this is all about?”
“Frankly, then—I offer this in confidence—I don’t think the Baron very good company for you.”
“Why not?”